Shen

I turn to watch my alarm clock as it went off at exactly 5:00 AM. For some weird reason I always woke up right before it went off, yet, I never fail to set it. It's almost like I gain some sort of satisfaction from watching it...odd, I know. I got up and made my bed and dragged on some clothes, I don't think running in my boxers would be a good idea. 

I grabbed my phone and earbuds and was out the door. I did a couple of stretches in my front yard as I fumbled through my phone to find my playlist. As I ran, I felt the music pulsating through my veins...that's what NF's songs do to me.  Well, all I can say is that music is definitely life. 

I was out of breath by the time I arrived back home. I was barely able to finish my workout, maybe I have too much on my mind. 

"Shen hunny, you back already?" the familiar voice rang. 

"Nope, I am still gone", I said as I chuckled. 

"Ohhh!!! I guess I should be scared then huh?" she said as she walked over to me. I pulled off my shoes with the laces still intact. She looked at me and we both started laughing. Gosh, I love her. "Hurry and put those shoes outside, they stink and breakfast will be ready in 15 mins" she commanded as she opened the front door trying to push me out. 

"Alright, alright,  I will. Do you know I actually live here too?" I questioned.

"Eh! I know, that's why I am giving you food" she said as she pulled down one eye and stuck out her tongue.

"How are you even a mother?" I responded as I held the bridge of my nose trying to be as stern as possible but failing immensely as a chuckle escaped my lips.  

"HoW aRe YoU eVeN a MoThEr?" she mocked as she rolled her eyes. "I know, I am too young for this. By the way, you now have only 10 mins" she winked and turned to walk away. 

I quickly ran upstairs and took the fastest shower that was humanly possible. I can't believe this is my second year of university. In no time I will be working and probably starting a family of my own. The thought made me shudder. 

I started to eat when I heard a car honk. I took another bite, grabbed my bag, and headed out the door. The honking kept going as if someone was pressing on the horn without letting go and man was it annoying. "OKAY!!!" I yelled as I arrived at the car, I looked to see Pat's hand on the steering wheel. I sighed. I seriously hate her guts. Where did Joyner even find this spawn of satan? I fumed as I got in the backseat. Joyner and Pat have been dating for a little over three months and this makes me sure she is the devil's kid because it has been hell...well, for me at least. 

She and I major in physical therapy but she is in her first year and decided on doing only electives and I am beyond grateful that our classes never connect. The car ride was very chatty. You guessed right, Pat wouldn't stop talking and all Joyner did was give her occasional nods and okays as he focused on the road. 

Joyner is like my best friend, well not like... he is. We have known each other since primary school. We are both twenty but he is a few months older than I am and he is majoring in economics. For some reason that's beyond me, people call us the mixed twins. But if I should be honest, I don't think we look that similar. He is half Latino, half caucasian and I am half Asian, half African American... very different features. I am even taller than him by a few inches. My thoughts were interrupted by the shutting of a car door. We had arrived at school. 

"See ya man" Joyner said as he pat my back. 

"See ya" I retorted. We both went our separate directions and I tried to put some distance between myself and satan's spawn. 

Joyner

Wow, just wow. This lecturer deserves a reward for being so DAMN BORING! I yelled in my mind as I mentally flipped a few tables. I wish I could just hold my breath and pass out rather than endure this torment. Not even scrolling through social media could stop this because all I kept seeing are posts from friends getting married. Kill me now. 

Wait, idea! I placed my phone on record and decided to take a nap. Sleeping is a good hobby of mine and the best thing about most of my lectures is that the teachers don't care if you attend or not, just don't disturb the class. I hadn't gotten enough sleep last night due to Pat wanting to talk all night, maybe that's why I feel so groggy. 

My thoughts went back to this morning and I chuckled to myself. Pat was annoying Shen with the car's horn and he became so infuriated. Shit was so funny! I enjoy seeing annoyed Shen although I was getting a bit irritated as well. But a part of me wanted to make her so happy that I caused her to have her own way all the time. I know, I know...I spoil her. But can you blame me? I was so totally captivated by her from the moment I saw her. She has those deep hazel eyes and a caramel skin tone so sweet that it made my toothache. 

I was snapped back to consciousness by the bustling sound of people leaving the room, which made me aware that the lecture had ended. Damn! how long was I in thought for, I didn't even get to sleep. As I was about to pocket my phone it vibrated. It was a text from Shen: "Remember we are all meeting up at the cafe at lunch". I didn't need to reply so I just placed the phone in my pocket and headed to my finance class. 

After class I started off to the cafe but then I saw Linda coming towards me. Sigh. 

"Hey Joyner, let's walk together," she said all peppy. I nodded yes. Linda is Shen's banshee...I mean girlfriend. Ha! I laughed at the thought. They have been dating for about as long as Pat and I. Seeing her made me grit my teeth. I just couldn't stand her screeching voice, it gnawed at my ears like fingernails on a chalkboard. I wouldn't say I hated her I just didn't really like her presence or the way she chewed food...or anything about her. Well damn, I guessed I do hate her. 

"What made you so happy?" I heard a voice say, it was Shen. 

"Nothing" I responded as I straightened my face, realizing that I had been smiling like an idiot at my own thoughts. 

The girls started talking and Shen and I went to order our food. He let out a heavy sigh and looked at the floor with a saddened expression. I knew Shen, he was always the jovial one, cracking jokes and always smiling no matter what, something was up. I continued to analyze him. He ran his hand through his hair and stopped midway. He was lost in thought. "Shen?" I questioned. "Shen!"

Shen

"Shen!" I jumped as I felt someone touch me. "WHAT!!" I said, not realizing I was shouting until I saw everyone turning to look at me, including a pair of piercing light brown eyes with black hair almost covering them. I don't know why but it took me a full minute to snap back to reality and notice they belonged to Joyner. 

"Hey, what's up with you?" he asked with a puzzled look on his face. I sighed then whispered under my breath, "I just can't do this anymore". I felt like it was barely audible, but by his response, I knew he heard. 

"Do what?" he asked. I averted my eyes to look at the two girls chatting away so happily hoping he would follow my gaze.

"Stay with Linda" I let out.